Why should one write a letter? Now that the Internet exists and in just a few clicks and a "Welcome, You've Got Mail", one could send instant messages, email, or web cam, and in less than 30 seconds one receives a response. A phone call could be made in the time it takes for the writer to get the paper to write the letter, and then brainstorm about what to write, and how to write the letter. One could have picked up a cell phone and dialed five telephone numbers and could have carried at least three efficient conversations. The major reasons for the decline of letter writing include, the decline in handwriting skills in American classrooms, increase access to the worldwide web and all its advancements, and the urge to talk and go has a cell phone attached to every Americans ear. Although, the trend for a faster and more efficient technological age continues to increase letter writing is still a longer lasting conversation, which does not fade away with the hit of a button, or the hang up of a phone line. Computers have taken the place of the pencil and paper in today's classrooms across America. In the average elementary classroom, students begin their year learning the sound and shape of the English alphabet. This continues to be a trend across America, which in more recent years has adopted also the Spanish alphabet in the primary learning experience. Now a students classroom time is cut in half to learn two separate languages, English and Spanish. This brings less time in the classroom to focus on the curves, and loops if the English alphabet, and with this less time teachers are forced to redesign the teaching of the alphabet from a black board print to pointing to keys on a keyboard. When the American classroom g... ... middle of paper ... ...he time it took to brainstorm the introduction and thesis statement to this essay (one hour), one could have learned half of the alphabet, in print and in cursive handwriting. In the time it took to write the body paragraphs of this essay one could have instant messaged over 25 friends, typed and emailed 10 well written letters, and could have come in contact with over 1500 people in less then 10 chat room visits. In the 150 words in this paragraph one could have typed over 30 text messages averaging at least five words per message. So why would one choose to laboriously write a letter by hand, when technology gives an advantage. As society pushes for everything to be easier, and faster pencil and paper will become history and the streams of technology commodities and with this letter writing is another lesson taught to an ignored hand in an English classroom.
In the article, “Does Texting Affect Writing?”, the author Michaela Cullington conveys her speculation that texting does not correlate to how students write formal essays. At the beginning of the article Cullington introduces the term texting and the convenience texting brings. Later expressing her concern that the texting language “Textspeak” is actually affecting students writing; then contradicts these views by using primary and secondary sources (news articles, books, her own surveys and research). In addition, she uses an anecdote to tell of her own experience with texting and writing. Together with other evidences and research put together, she uncovers the debate between textspeak and formal writing. On the basis of her research, she concludes that the state of texting does not interfere with writing or writing abilities.
To ensure that formal written language is preserved, a clear distinction must be made between formal writing and texting. Students -as well as adults- must also be given sufficient practice in both areas if they are to clearly communicate their thoughts to others through either means. As quoted from Nicole Wood and Becky Wang in their presentation “Is Texting Killing the English Language”, “the most common misuses by students are ... using only the letter ‘u’ … [and] using the letter ‘r’...” These errors in formal essays are often -and in most cases- caused by confusion of the distinction between texting and formal writing, leading to an overlap between the two. The value of formal written language is its ability to clearly and distinctly communicate one’s ideas to another -and because of its overall consistency regardless of time- even those in the future. Texting, in some cases however, loses this ability to clearly communicate thoughts and ideas, and exclusively texting at home could lead to a decline in one’s ability to clearly communicate with others through writing.
In The Power of Writing by Joel Swerdlow, we are presented to the importance of writing to our civilization. Throughout the years written information has emerged as a primary method of communication. Individuals use whatever is available to write to convey their message. Early forms of writing include carving symbols in stone and bone, written leaves, silk, papyrus, parchment and paper. At the present time writing is used in many settings; for example we have books, text messages, online blogs, lyrics, street signs and emails. There are no limits to written information, and most importantly it can be preserved indefinitely. Writing helps me communicate to others, my identity, creativity and imagination. Individually, I use writing to compose lyrics, write about my personal experiences and to connect with my family. In my opinion, writing is an important tool of communication in my personal and professional development, because it gives an insight of my individual ideas.
Texting and technology are quickly taking over our lives, we are free to send messages and view messages at our own leisure. Nonetheless, students are educated and know that text speak is not fitting for professional academic writing. Disregarding the evidence for and against texting, Cullington’s own results maintains the idea that texting has no effect on the students’ writings. I would say that her response is persuasive because she was able to survey and conduct an interview study on past teachers and students, as well as get their views on this topic. Moreover, she does an exceptional job performing a throughout study asking relative question as well as being able to personally read and analyze English writing for
Kutcher claims “ We haven’t lost romance in the digital age, but we may be neglecting it, in doing so, acquainted art forms are taking on new importance.The power of a handwritten letter is greater than ever. It’s personal and deliberate and means more than e-mail or text ever will.’’(96)Handwriting is different and unique for each individual. You can look at the letter and judge how much effort a person put into writing it. The mistakes they make show how we as humans are not perfect. and in an intimate relationship writing to your signficant other in a sense you are giving them apart of yourself.It shows feeling, sensitivity and thoughtfulness.Your thoughts and feelings written on paper that they can go back and review it at any time they wish. It has much more meaning versus a text that may have taken just a few seconds. The meaning behind handwriting and letters are by far much deeper. It takes a few effortless seconds to glide ones fingers across a screen and send a text.The effort put into a text does not compare to the time thought out in physical form. Thus the connection is simply not as
For centuries, cursive handwriting has been considered an art. However, to a increasing number of young people the form is becoming extinct. The graceful letters of the cursive alphabet have been transcribed on innumerable love letters, acted as the method for articulating thoughts in journals and diaries, and have been scrawled across elementary school chalkboards for generations. Yet, cursive is gradually vanishing due to the accessibility to keyboards and smartphones. While the loss of the cursive alphabet may appear inconsequential, recent studies have revealed that in fact the gradual death of the fancier ABC’s instigates concerns for future generations.
The importance of writing can be seen everywhere. It is a necessity, without which most individuals would not be able to complete basic tasks during the day like sending letters or filling out forms (Colorado). Aside from the obvious needs in the world itself, writing grants a range of other valuable skills.
Technology has utterly slaughtered the love letter. Most people will not take the time to sit down and write a veritable letter, in fact most people do not even use their own words. The love letter was the only way to connect with love ones or potential lovers. When texting came along words like love would be abbreviated and mo...
In nineteenth-century society, a time well versed in the uses and advantages of Gutenberg’s printing press, the typewriter changed the way people thought about writing. Since the introduction of the printing press four centuries earlier, there had been a very limited amount of new inventions pertaining to writing or the world of the mechanized press. Advancements certainly had been made to modernize the printing process, but the typewriter was the next invention that would change the face of writing. The typewriter made writing more common and accessible and loosened up proper business etiquette. Professionals shifted from the mindset of having to write a handwritten letter regarding company updates and accepted the notion of being able to type out a business memo. The process of typing also affected the way authors wrote and what they thought about writing as it allowed them to become more involved in publication.
Computer has made the life easier by providing various applications and technologies. For example, while computer has replaced typewriter, it helps the students to become a better writer as they can “revise text, rearrange paragraphs, and experiment with the tone and shape of an essay” () while using word processing. Thus, the computer helps the students to improvise their writing. Human relationship with co...
Our schools have progressed tremendously in the past century.In fact, in the past three decades, we have seen much progression with the use of computers in the classroom.We have gone from one room school houses with one teacher teaching many grades, to schools that may be two stories high or more with many teachers for each grade.More students are in school in today’s society than there...
Ong, Walter. “Writing is a Technology that Restructures Thought.” Writing Material. Ed. Evelyn Tribble. New York. 2003. 315-335.
It is very hard not to realize that technology has overpowered education in many ways. “Technology integration is similar to a tidal wave, growing silently in strength, then falling with an unstoppable roar upon those who paid no attention or showed little interest” (Guhlin, 40). Nowadays, computers are almost considered a necessity in the classroom, and are the main component of technology integration. Computers are being used in more numerous ways, besides only being used for basic word processing. With a simple computer, copious availabilities of technologies can be used in the classroom. “The one thing that is so great about the computer is that it does give a lot of instruction--and you don't need to have hearing to take advantage of it” (Anderson, 12). It’s amazing how one simple screen can provide everlasting opportunity for learning.
Writing has changed because of the efficiency that technology provides. With the invention of instant messaging, writing has started to become something new entirely. People are writing more often and faster to get a message across. Luckily, students know that the writing that they do with friends is much different than what employers are looking for in the work place (Guffey, M.E., & Loewy, D., pg. 3-29).
Fang, Irving E. Alphabet to Internet: Media in Our Lives. 2nd ed. St. Paul, MN: Rada, 2012. Print.